Obituary of Michael Layne MacKay

MacKay, Michael Layne, age 71 passed peacefully Saturday February 10, 2024 at the Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow. Michael was born December 5, 1952 in Windsor Ontario, a son of the late Roy Poberezny and Bernice Nicholson. He was also predeceased by brothers: Billy, Joey and Patrick Poberezny. Mike was the youngest of six and is survived by a brother Peter and sisters: Tessie and Marie. Mike was a gypsy soul and moved all over Canada meeting friends and leaving a positive impact wherever he was. He worked construction in his earlier years and laboured as a brick layers helper when he moved to Calgary in the early 80s. He was employed by the Salvation Army Hostile. He is survived by his 3 children: Jeremiah Mackay age 38 of Sutherlands River, his wife Jenna Marie Mackay age 35 and our 4 children Emilee, Elizabeth, Jacob and Lilly, a son Chris Mackay of Nova Scotia; his sons: Cash and Mase and Michael’s daughter Rainbow Mackay.New Glasgow; along with her 2 children: Meadow and Junior. To say his grandchildren were his pride and joy is an understatement. He left an impact on all of them from a young age. He taught us the importance of respect and old school morals and survival skills. Mike was an avid hunter. Jeremiah and Chris learned how to hunt, trap and fish and process the animals into food. We always had a small farm with chickens, turkeys and a pig and a large garden. He loved to play cards,crib was one of his favorite games. Mike was a fierce competitor, just ask his favorite opponents Greg Kirk of Alberta Wade Hayne, Vancouver and Harold Hayne, New Glasgow. He taught Jeremiah to play at the young age of 8 and it had a lasting effect on my math skills to this day. Mike was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and often told stories of his grandparents who escaped the wartorn country and immigrated to Nova Scotia where they found peace and opportunities for a better life. His grandmother Misses Nick was a former bootlegger during the prohibition years living in piedmont. There was a book that told some of her stories titled seven years of the Demon Rum. We enjoyed some of the traditional Ukrainian food and traditions at Christmas time. We would always have perogies, cabbage rolls and leave our tree up until after Ukrainian Christmas. Cremation has taken place. We will be having a graveside ceremony at a later date this spring and a celebration of his life. May you rest in peace Dad. Watch over us all and I know you will be enjoying your time reunited will all who have gone before you. Amen. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, PEACE, BE STILL. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” -Mark 4:39 angusfuneralhomes.com